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While this episode won't explore what it takes to draw manga as deeply as, say, Sakurasou (and Yayoi's not as socially awkward as Mashiro), it still involves the arts, what they mean to the people drawing them, and Yayoi, who's basically stolen every episode she was focused on this series. Episode 19 and 35 remain some of my favorites, and this one is a strong contender.

All of these begin with a monologue, explaining how each of the girls came to be the way they are. And for Yayoi, this means some cute flashbacks and some beautiful yellow scenery in the present. The advice to writers is always "write what you know", and it looks like Yayoi based Miracle Peace on herself as much as she did on Sailor Moon, just enough so that Marchenland can't sue for copyright infringement. I always love show within a show sequences like that.

Above all, my favorite part of these finale episodes is the battles. Sunny Fire Burning was impressive, and Peace Thunder Hurricane was Yayoi at her best. She once again had dignity, grace and enough electricity to power a small city. It was like episode 19, but even flashier. And since it aired directly after Haruto fried Valkyrie with Hurricane Dragon's electricity-based finisher, I can't help but feel Toei scheduled this deliberately. Wonderful episode.

Nao's final focus episode is up next, focusing on family bonds. And the fact that her parents apparently have a really healthy sexy life.

I don't think Nao's family is worrying about the birth rate problem. It's clear her parents have a very healthy sex life, even with so many kids to take care of. That would explain why we haven't seen a whole lot of Nao's mom. She's been getting busy. But before I make you picture Nao's parents doing it any more, I'll move onto the sibling bond that was the emotional core of this episode.

And DAMN was it emotional. The fear of losing a sibling, especially in a large family, is something I've seen played out in Binbougami and iDOLM@STER, but this one had them kidnapped and threatened to be obliterated in armed combat. Seeing Nao get the determination to reveal her hero identity in front of her siblings, and then fight solo, was moving, and that wasn't even the best part of the episode. The fight sequences these past few weeks have been gorgeous, and this episode was no exception.

March Shoot Impact was... wow. She nearly one-shotted the young, hot Majorina with that. And the scene where the others saved her siblings and Nao tearfully reunited with them. I admit, even I got a little teary-eyed at that scene. Maybe it's the music, maybe it's the acting, maybe it's that the bond of family is something universal, but... I really felt what Nao was feeling at that moment.

Loved the flashbacks to a younger Nao and Reika, to a time when the Midorikawa family only had two kids. And now they have seven. Little Yui Midorikawa. This batch of episodes is probably my favorite in the whole series, second only to Happy Robo (because Happy Robo is always number one.)

So next week has Joker doing the dirty work, Reika possibly studying abroad, and no doubt another kickass fight scene. I can't wait.

I don't think Nao's family is worrying about the birth rate problem. It's clear her parents have a very healthy sex life, even with so many kids to take care of. That would explain why we haven't seen a whole lot of Nao's mom. She's been getting busy. But before I make you picture Nao's parents doing it any more, I'll move onto the sibling bond that was the emotional core of this episode.

And DAMN was it emotional. The fear of losing a sibling, especially in a large family, is something I've seen played out in Binbougami and iDOLM@STER, but this one had them kidnapped and threatened to be obliterated in armed combat. Seeing Nao get the determination to reveal her hero identity in front of her siblings, and then fight solo, was moving, and that wasn't even the best part of the episode. The fight sequences these past few weeks have been gorgeous, and this episode was no exception.

March Shoot Impact was... wow. She nearly one-shotted the young, hot Majorina with that. And the scene where the others saved her siblings and Nao tearfully reunited with them. I admit, even I got a little teary-eyed at that scene. Maybe it's the music, maybe it's the acting, maybe it's that the bond of family is something universal, but... I really felt what Nao was feeling at that moment.

Loved the flashbacks to a younger Nao and Reika, to a time when the Midorikawa family only had two kids. And now they have seven. Little Yui Midorikawa. This batch of episodes is probably my favorite in the whole series, second only to Happy Robo (because Happy Robo is always number one.)

So next week has Joker doing the dirty work, Reika possibly studying abroad, and no doubt another kickass fight scene. I can't wait.

Couldn't say it any better, I could literally taste all the emotions Nao was feeling. Miyuki consoling her was the icing on the cake too.

To do it once is a nice coincidence. To have it happen twice makes me think Toei's doing this deliberately. Right after Yayoi and Hurricane Dragon electrify the screen, two weeks later, Water Dragon and Reika are using ice attacks within a few minutes of each other. And once again, when Toei pours their budget into something, they can produce a beautiful fight sequence. Reika's instachange and altering of the arena was a wonderful sight to behold. If only Joker had been the villain in more episodes.

Joker has the right mix of dickishness and whimsicalness that makes him fun to watch. (Rather like Enter. Speaking of Go-Busters, the MotW in both Smile and this week's Busters involved a heavy sword and shield. Though Joker inside an Akanbe inside Joker is some Gurren Lagann level stuff.) The only Joker-type Hyper in the series, and it's smarter than most. The insert song, and Reika's archery finally being used for a finisher, were also quite nice. It reminded me of Suzuri's Saggitarius in Shirokuma. Though any VN I tend to be playing at the moment bleeds into my anime impressions, but the ice/wintry motif helps too.

But why London? I'm half expecting Reika to run into Houkago Tea Time and Milky Holmes while she's there. And that I bring up those two groups are important - they're both groups. Reika doesn't want to go alone (though she could use the bookportals, but her reaction time wouldn't be nearly as instant. An attack mid-afternoon would be in the middle of the night for her. Time zones are unfair.) Maybe she'll get another chance in high school.

Akane's and Nao's episodes were about appreciating what you have.
Reika's is about thinking about where you're going.
And Miyuki's and Yayoi's, the last of these really good focus episodes that'll be airing next week, are about the magic of childhood. Miyuki's first love friend, spotted!

The Reika episode. Well, I think all the previous character centered episodes are decent, but this is the best one so far.

Reika picking up ice swords as she fights the Joker is a neat idea, and she has her character song playing as well! Would have to say that Joker is a fitting villain for this series, very evil and cunning. Too bad for him at the end, even his room seems to agree with Reika - in the last parts of the battle there are spotlights which revealed Joker's location, making him an easy target.